Hello, ! Welcome to Lush Life Travel's weekly newsletter. This week, we'll cover: 1. 🌍45 Years of Terry Fox: Moving Through the World With Purpose 2. River Cruise Corner - AmaWaterways: European Roots, Global Reach, Canadian Advocacy 3. Adventure Travel Corner- Two winning golf tours 4.
Wellness Travel Corner - A Moving Hotel Room Around the World? Yes, Please. 5. Sheila in the Spotlight- Quoted in Travelweek: What Canadian Travellers Are Asking Before They Book 6. Travel with Sheila: Women's River Cruise Paris & Normandy 7. Explore Award-Winning Inspiration 8. Elevate Hotel Stays Exclusive Perks-VIP You & Kempinski Palace Portoroz 9. Special Offers from
Lush Life Travel, a Direct Travel affiliate & top Virtuoso partner Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation! 📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey: Sheila Gallant-Halloran | Lush Life Travel
www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca
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1. 🌍45 Years of Terry Fox: Moving Through the World With Purpose “Today is the day it all begins…”
—Terry Fox, April 12, 1980, St. John’s, Newfoundland Forty-five years ago, a young Canadian dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean and began a journey that would inspire generations. Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope wasn’t just a cross-country run—it was a movement. A mission. A call to action that still
echoes across Canada today. For me, the memory is deeply personal. I remember my dad coming home from work at the Cement Plant in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, telling us how he
and his coworkers had met this young man running through town—this determined, quietly courageous guy who was raising money for cancer research. They donated to his cause—long before the cameras and national media had caught up with him. Newfoundlanders embraced Terry first. He had dipped his leg in the ocean at St. John’s on April 12, and by April 30, 1980, he had already run all the way to Corner Brook. The scale of what he was doing hadn't yet registered for most Canadians, but to those who met him in those early days, he was already something special. Terry had started with two bottles of Atlantic seawater—one to pour into the Pacific when he reached the other side of the country, and one to keep as a souvenir. The wind took one away. A small but powerful symbol: he didn’t hold onto everything—he gave it all away. 🗓️ You can follow more
of Terry’s original timeline here:
terryfox.org/terrys-story/terrys-timeline
🌱 And now, a second moment of reflection: Earth Day – April 22As we near Earth Day, I’ve been reflecting on how we move through
the world—not just where we go, but how we show up. The way Terry moved was full of purpose, grit, and compassion. He left every community a little better. That’s how I believe we should travel, too. At Lush Life Travel, I help clients plan journeys that are more than bucket list items. They’re acts of self-care. They’re slow, immersive, meaningful. Whether it’s a river cruise, an expedition voyage, or a wellness retreat, my goal is to help people reconnect—with the world, with
loved ones, and with themselves. 🧭 Take care of the Earth. Take care of you.Terry didn’t just run a marathon—he started one. A marathon against cancer, against complacency, against the idea that one person can’t make a difference. Forty-five years later, we’re still running alongside him. And still believing that every step forward matters. Donate https://terryfox.org/ With gratitude and hope,
Sheila
Owner, Lush Life Travel
Affiliate of Direct Travel
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | Wellness & Expedition Travel Specialist 2. River Cruise Corner - AmaWaterways: European Roots, Global Reach, Canadian Advocacy 🇨🇦 Many of my Canadian clients are asking thoughtful questions right now — especially when it comes to booking travel with what appears to be a U.S. company.
If you're considering a European river cruise with AmaWaterways River Cruises , here’s some clarity I’m happy to share:
While Ama has a strong U.S. sales presence, it is not a U.S. cruise line.
AmaWaterways is European-owned, operated, and registered, founded by a German, an Austrian, and an Irish partner. Their ships are European-flagged, and their operations are governed by European Union regulations — including:
✅ EU safety and environmental standards
✅ European labor laws
✅ International treaties like the Rhine Convention and the Revised Act of Mannheim, which govern navigation rights on rivers like the Rhine. Ama also has global offices — not just in the U.S., but also in the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Switzerland. Their operational HQ is in Basel. (And they can’t operate on American rivers — only U.S.-owned companies can!) So when you cruise with Ama in Europe, you're not sailing with a U.S. cruise line — you're experiencing authentic
European hospitality, supported by global infrastructure, and you're booking with a Canadian advisor who’s here to advocate for you every step of the way. 💼🚢 Let me know if I can help you book your #rivercruise #bucketlist trip. 3.Adventure Travel Corner- Two winning golf toursHow about you embark on an extraordinary getaway with Golf Traveller, featuring legendary courses, luxurious stays, immersive cultural experiences, and flawless service. You can golf with spectacular coastal views in Ireland or tee off in Scotland surrounded by rugged Highland landscapes and rich history. Plus, when you book with you, they’ll receive a $100 gift voucher for golf merchandise at select
retailers as a Virtuoso exclusive benefit. Tee off on coastal courses on a 6-night Ireland tour or play legendary links on a 12-night Scotland journey. Luxurious stays and personalized service await on these #GolfTraveller tours. Book with me, your Virtuoso travel advisor. #VirtuosoTravel 4. Wellness Travel Corner- A Moving Hotel Room Around the World? Yes, Please.Why Azamara’s 2027 World Cruise Might Be the Ultimate Act of Self-Care Imagine waking up to a new city, a new sunrise, and a new adventure—without ever repacking your suitcase. That’s the magic of a world cruise with Azamara. And their just-announced 2027 World Voyage is more than a trip—it’s a
global immersion, a stress-free lifestyle, and quite possibly the most luxurious form of self-care you can give yourself. Over 188 nights, you'll visit 103 destinations in 37 countries across 5 continents—from the hills of San Francisco to the shores of Sydney, the lantern-lit streets of Tokyo, and the romantic
canals of Amsterdam. With extended port stays and overnight stops, you’ll actually have time to live in each city, not just check it off a list. 💼 The best part?
You’re unpacking once—settling into your boutique floating hotel, the Azamara Quest, and letting the world come to you.
No mad dashes through airports. No daily check-in/check-out stress. Just a well-paced journey designed to nourish your soul and your curiosity. From curated cultural experiences to concierge service and first-class dining, every detail onboard is about comfort,
connection, and care. And with over $40,000 USD in inclusions—like airfare credit, $8,500 onboard credit, exclusive events, and more—this voyage is packed with extraordinary value. ✨ I love this itinerary not just because it’s big and bold—but because it’s intentional. This is slow travel with
substance. And for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the world (without the whirlwind pace), it’s a rare opportunity. Ready to swap the packing cubes for peace of mind?
Let’s talk about Azamara’s 2027 World Cruise. Your passport—and your
nervous system—will thank you. 🛳️ Learn more: Azamara 2027 World Cruise
📩 Contact me to reserve your floating
sanctuary #LushLifeTravel #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #AzamaraWorldCruise #LuxuryTravelAdvisor #WellnessThroughTravel #ReturnOnLife #AskShe #WorldCruiseWellness
5. Sheila in the Spotlight: Quoted in Travelweek: What Canadian Travellers Are Asking Before They Book
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6. Travel with Sheila: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy What are you waiting for? I’m thrilled to be hosting another incredible group journey, this time on a women-focused river cruise to Paris and Normandy in November 2025. While the spotlight will be on women’s themes, spouses and partners are welcome! They can skip the morning talks and still enjoy the shore excursions, dining, and everything else onboard. (Several husbands are
booked too!) Why Join This Cruise?
✨ Paris: Always enchanting and vibrant.
✨ Normandy: Stunning coastlines, artistic beauty, and rich history. Explore Monet’s Gardens, the charming harbor of Honfleur, Joan of Arc’s legacy, and the D-Day beaches, including a special Remembrance Day
tour on November 11th (with tailored visits to Canadian or American beaches).
✨ Château de Bizy: Experience the grandeur of "the Versailles of Normandy." Blend culture, art, architecture, and the good life as we sail the Seine together. Cruise Details:
🚢 Line: AMA Waterways, aboard the luxurious AMA Dante
📅 When: November 8, 2025, for 7 nights (option to add a 2-night pre-cruise in Paris)
📍 Itinerary: Roundtrip Paris along the Seine Special
Offers: Reduced solo supplement cabins—grab them before they’re gone! - The latest edition of Travel with Sheila -Join Me: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy
All category E, D, and C are now sold out. I still have some category A, B, and suites. If you've been considering joining me,
now is the time to book. Would you like to join me? For the category B twin balcony or category A twin balcony, let me know if you'd like updated pricing. The pricing promos changed as at Dec.31.24. So let me know if you'd like to book, and if you are solo or double occupancy, as that will impact pricing. 🗺️ For full details, including itinerary, deck plans, and inclusions (kindly note - the pricing promos have changed as at Dec.31.24 - let me know if you'd like to confirm updated pricing), visit: 2025 Women’s River Cruise Details. 🎥 Watch a recording of my webinar with AMA Waterways BDM Neil Dudley: Cruise Presentation. And there's also this presentation with Neil and me:
7. Explore Award-Winning Inspiration
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8. Elevate Your Hotel Stays with Exclusive Perks - VIP You & Kempinski Palace Portoroz
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Unlock Exclusive Perks for Your Luxury Hotel Stay Did you know booking your luxury hotel stay through me unlocks exclusive perks and amenities? Here’s a sneak peek at how I can elevate your next getaway: ✨ Room Upgrades – Enjoy better views, larger rooms, or added comforts through my relationships with top hotel management.
🍳 Complimentary Breakfast & Credits – Delight in free breakfasts or use dining, spa, or resort credits to enhance your stay.
⏰ Early Check-In & Late Check-Out – Enjoy added flexibility with personalized arrival and departure times.
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Welcome Amenities – Arrive to thoughtful touches like champagne, gifts, or personalized surprises.
👑 VIP Treatment – Access priority bookings at spas, restaurants, and events for a truly exclusive experience.
🌍 Custom Experiences – Let me tailor private tours or special activities to your interests.
📅 Flexible Booking Policies – Benefit from accommodating terms that provide peace of mind. As a Virtuoso luxury advisor, I leverage top-tier programs like Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, and many more to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. While I
specialize in river and expedition cruises, as well as bespoke trips to Africa and Australia, I’m happy to book luxury hotels for my clients. Hotel-only bookings are subject to my professional fees, outlined here: Fee Schedule. 💻 For Last-Minute Stays
If you’re planning a quick trip and don’t need VIP services or concierge add-ons, you can self-book luxury properties through my Virtuoso website: Browse & Book Hotels Online. Self-booking waives my fees, but if
additional support or VIP services are required later, standard fees will apply. 💡 Still Wondering Why Book with an Advisor?
Explore these blog posts for insights: Let’s make your next hotel stay truly exceptional. Ready to get started?
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See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS Kempinski Palace PortorozFor guests of the
legendary Kempinski Palace Portoroz, everything feels like a royal treat. The 182-room belle epoque hotel features a striking modern annex and the Rose Spa. Portoroz is famous for its rich spa tradition, and no stay is complete without experiencing the spa’s extensive menu of well-known luxury brands and revitalizing treatments. Foodies will find gourmet cuisine mixed with timeless glamour at Restaurant Sophia (named for iconic guest Sophia Loren). Laze away an afternoon by the indoor/outdoor
pool or the newly designed Palace Beach, or take a boat excursion along the alluring Adriatic Coast and visit Venice. Virtuoso travelers receive:For 2025: - Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not
valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Stays of 5+ nights will also receive $50 USD equivalent SPA credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $100 USD Food & Beverage credit (for a total of $200 during stay)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Many of these perks and amenities are only available when you book your stay through Sheila, your Virtuoso travel advisor. 9. Special Offers from Lush Life Travel, a Direct Travel affiliate & top Virtuoso partner As the owner of Lush Life
Travel, a boutique travel agency affiliated with Direct Travel, I’m delighted to bring you access to exclusive offers through Direct Travel’s status as one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners. Here are some fantastic opportunities from a few of our favorite travel supplier partners: DESTINATION of the week: Queensland, Australia - Family Adventures https://mediaprooyost01.blob.core.windows.net/public/digital-brochures/68251519-Swain-Brochure.pdf Let me know if one of these holidays catches your eye—I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable journey!
Unlock Your Lush Life through Travel
At Lush Life Travel, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re unlocking 20 years of travel expertise paired with 20 years in financial services. My focus on detail, risk management, and a network of trusted relationships ensures your journey is seamless, unforgettable, and uniquely yours. Let’s turn your bucket list travel dreams into reality. sheila@lushlife.ca 👉 Schedule your consultation today https://tinyurl.com/LushLifeConsult and be sure to complete this Survey: https://tinyurl.com/LushLifeConsultSurvey Here’s to creating defining moments and living your lush life through travel!
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Live a Lush Life - Travel!
Lush regards,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
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